Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-09-30

notice is it probable that an empire can rlso
without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in
the sacred writings that except the Lord build
the house they labor in vain that build it. 1
firmly believe this, and 1 also believe TINT
this political building no better than the build
ers of Babel We shall be divided by our little
partial local interests, our projects will be con-
founded, and we ourselves shall become re-
proach and by-word down to future ages; and
what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from
this unfortunate instance, despair of establish
ing governments by human wisdom, and leave
it to chance, war, and conquest
In the face Of nll discouragements tho faith
ers OF the, republic labored on for four long,
always with rugged resolve, never faltering in
u sturdy endeavor, sanctified by prophetic
sense OF tho value to posterity OF their success.
and always with unflinching faith in the prin-
ciples which make the foundation of govern
lnent by the people.
=, At last their task was done; 1t is related
that upon the back of the chair occupied by
Washington as the President Of the convention
sun was painted, and that us the delegates
were signing the completed Constitution, one
OF them said: i have often and often i'll the
course of the session, and in the solicitude of
my hopes and fears as to it's issue, looked Mt
that behind the President without being able
to tell whether it was rising or setting. But
now, at length. know that it is a rising and
not a setting sun
I'VE stand to-day on the spot where this rs-
ing sun emerged from political night and dark
ness, and i'll its own bright meridian light we
mark its glorious way. Clouds have sometimes
obscured it's rays, and dreadful storms have
made us fear; but God has held it in its course,
and through its life-giving warmth has per-
formed his latest miracle i'll the creation of this
Wondrous land and people.
AS we look down the past century to the ORR
GIN OF our Constitution; us we contemplate its
trials and its triumphs us we realize how COM
pletely the principles upon which it is based
have mot every national peril and every ma
tionul need, how devoutly should we confess
With Franklin, God governs i'll tho affairs of
men,, and how solemn should be the reflection
that to our hands is committed this ark OF the
people 8 covenant, and that ours is the duty to
shield it from impious hands. We receive it
sealed with the tests of q century 1t has been
found sufficient in the past, and in nll the fu-
ture years it will be found sufficient if the
American people will be true to their trust
Another centennial day will come. and mill
IONS yet unborn will inquire concerning our
stewardship and the sufety OF their Constitu-
ton. God grant that they may find it unim-
paired and, as we rejoice at the patriotism
and devotion of those who lived IL hundred
years ago, so may others who follow us rejoice
IN our fidelity, and i'll our jealous love for con-
stitutional liberty"
The President concluded his remarks at IL :O5
and on taking his seat was greeted with u tire
mendous roar OF applause. In the middle of
the cheers the chorus broke into song, and for
few minutes the noise was simply denfening.
When quiet had been restored United States
Supreme Court Justice Miller stepped to the
front of the stand, and, facing the assembled
dignitaries, BEGAN tho delivery of his Grafton
He held his audience spellbound, and was iol-
lowed with rapt attention. He described briefly
the work of forming the Constitution and the
objections made to the drawing up OF the i'll
strument. He also touched on the mode OF Sc
lectng United States Senators. He closed his
address with the recitation of IL quotation
from Chancellor Kent. During the Grafton Mrs
Cleveland sat beside Secretary Bayard who
protected her from the suns rays. Justice
Millers address occupied one hour in delivery
The now national hymn, which was contrib
uted by F. Marion Harlana, was then recited by
Prof. Murdoch with chorus of two hundred
mems voices.
At 40 President Kasson, of the Commission.